Mahjong TeachersMahjong teachers in San Diego, CA
We list 4 teachers and lesson companies and 1 studio for American mahjong in the San Diego area. Teachers include Beginners American Mahjong, Mahjong at Deena's and Mingle & Mahj SD. Studios include Mahj Theory Collective. Once you can play, there are 12 clubs and community games to join.
Schedules change, so use each listing's link to confirm the next class. Last checked October 2026. Something wrong? Every listing has a correction link.
Mahjong teachers and lessons in San Diego
Instructors and companies that teach American mahjong, from first lessons to guided play.
San Diego · Beginners welcome
Beginners American Mahjong
Nancy Smith teaches American mahjong through traveling beginner series, private lessons, reviews, and guided play.
- When
- Scheduled small-group series in San Diego County and private lessons at a home or business; three-class beginner series costs $120.
Solana Beach · Beginners welcome
Mahjong at Deena's
A traveling American mahjong teacher and social club serving players from Carlsbad to La Jolla.
- When
- Third Thursday monthly meetup at rotating North County restaurants; beginner series consists of four 2-hour classes; social club costs $30 monthly or $12 per visit.
San Diego · Beginners welcome
Mingle & Mahj SD
A beginner-friendly American mahjong teacher offering classes, events, and guided play using NMJL rules.
La Jolla · Beginners welcome
San Diego Mahj
A La Jolla instructor offering recurring beginner and intermediate American mahjong classes plus private sessions.
- When
- Mahj I every Tuesday from 12:00–2:00 p.m.; Mahj II every Thursday from 12:00–2:00 p.m.; private sessions by booking; weekly classes cost $50 per person.
Mahjong studios in San Diego
Dedicated spaces with tables, sets and a calendar of classes and open play.
La Jolla · Beginners welcome
Mahj Theory Collective
A dedicated American mahjong studio and boutique offering lessons, leagues, open play, and tournaments.
- When
- Open play, league play, lessons, tournaments, and events; days and hours were not stated.
- Where
- 7863 Girard Avenue #109, La Jolla, CA 92037
Clubs and social groups in San Diego
Regular games, leagues and meetups to join once you know the basics.
San Diego · Beginners welcome
Coastal Mahjong Club of San Diego
A multi-venue American mahjong club offering drop-in play and introductions for new players.
- When
- Weekly sessions in Del Mar, Carmel Valley, Encinitas, and La Jolla; one published session is every other Thursday at 10:30 a.m. at The Cottage Encinitas; $12 drop-in or $32 monthly unlimited play.
San Diego · Beginners welcome
San Diego American Mah Jongg Meetup
A countywide NMJL social-play group with recurring recreation-center games, newer-player tables, and related classes.
- When
- Standing sessions include Mondays at Allied Gardens Recreation Center, Thursdays at Tierrasanta and Nobel Recreation Centers, and the first Saturday of each month at Nobel; occasional Sundays are posted at Elijah's Restaurant; Grace Decker's classes are announced separately.
- Where
- Various San Diego County venues, including Nobel Recreation Center, 8810 Judicial Drive, San Diego, CA
Coronado · Beginners welcome
Coronado Mahjong Club
An American mahjong club using the NMJL card, with regular social play and beginner tables.
- When
- Twice a week; $11 monthly fee; sets provided; a beginner table is available at every meetup.
Community centers, libraries and more in San Diego
Recurring games and classes hosted by JCCs, libraries, senior centers and other local venues.
San Diego
Carmel Valley Recreation Center American Mahjong
A free city recreation-center American mahjong session for players of all skill levels.
- When
- Open play Thursdays in the afternoon from October 1–22, 2026; free with registration required.
- Where
- 3777 Townsgate Drive, San Diego, CA 92130
San Diego · Beginners welcome · American and other styles
Congregation Beth Israel Tuesday Afternoon Mahjong
A congregation-hosted mahjong meetup welcoming players of all levels, with in-person and virtual games.
- When
- In-person Tuesdays from 1:00–3:00 p.m.; a virtual game is also listed for Thursday evenings.
- Where
- 9001 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, CA 92122
Encinitas
Encinitas Community Center American Mah Jongg
A volunteer-facilitated American mahjong open-play session for adults age 50 and older who already know the game.
- When
- Thursdays from January 8 through December 17, 2026, in Living Room 135; ages 50 and up; clock time was not stated.
- Where
- 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive, Encinitas, CA 92024
Fallbrook · Beginners welcome
Fallbrook Library Mah Jongg Mondays
A library-based American mahjong gathering for adults of all skill levels with beginner instruction.
- When
- Every Monday from 1:00–3:00 p.m.; a 2026 calendar listed sessions through May; beginner instruction is available.
- Where
- 124 S. Mission Road, Fallbrook, CA 92028
La Jolla · Beginners welcome
La Jolla Community Center Mahjong
A community-center program with weekly American mahjong social play and scheduled beginner and intermediate courses.
- When
- Social mahjong Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.; free for members and $5 for non-members; beginner and intermediate courses run on posted dates.
- Where
- 6811 La Jolla Boulevard, La Jolla, CA 92037
La Jolla · American and other styles
Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center Mah Jongg
A member mahjong club at a Jewish community center with weekly play and occasional instructional days.
- When
- Thursdays from 12:00–3:00 p.m.; a Mah Jongg Day with an outside instructor was listed for November 16, 2026, from 10:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
- Where
- 4126 Executive Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037
San Diego
Park de la Cruz Community Center American Mahjong
A city senior-program session offering American mahjong open play for adults age 60 and older.
- When
- Mondays from September 14 through November 30, 2026; clock time was not stated; ages 60 and up; drop-in attendance is allowed.
- Where
- 3901 Landis Street, San Diego, CA 92105
Poway · American and other styles
Poway Library Mah Jongg
A library session that accommodates both American and Chinese mahjong players.
- When
- A published session was Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 1:00–3:00 p.m.; the library offers American or Chinese Mah Jongg and links to additional dates.
- Where
- 13137 Poway Road, Poway, CA
San Diego
Santa Clara Recreation Center American Mahjong
A recreation-center American mahjong program for players who already know how to play.
- When
- Wednesdays from September 9 through December 4, 2026; clock time was not stated; players are asked to come twice a week.
- Where
- 1008 Santa Clara Place, San Diego, CA 92109
Mahjong in San Diego by day of the week
| Day | Who meets |
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| Monday | |
| Tuesday | |
| Wednesday | |
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Common questions
Where can a beginner take mahjong lessons in San Diego?
Mahj Theory Collective, Beginners American Mahjong, Mahjong at Deena's, Mingle & Mahj SD and San Diego Mahj all teach or welcome beginners in the San Diego area. Use each listing's link to see the next class.
What days are there mahjong classes or games in San Diego?
Monday: San Diego American Mah Jongg Meetup, Fallbrook Library Mah Jongg Mondays and Park de la Cruz Community Center American Mahjong. Tuesday: San Diego Mahj, Congregation Beth Israel Tuesday Afternoon Mahjong and La Jolla Community Center Mahjong. Wednesday: Santa Clara Recreation Center American Mahjong. Thursday: San Diego Mahj, San Diego American Mah Jongg Meetup and Carmel Valley Recreation Center American Mahjong. Confirm with the teacher or group before you go, since schedules change.
How do I get a class or group listed in San Diego?
Email hello@mahjongteachers.com with the name, where you meet and a link. Listings are free. The same address fixes or removes a listing.
Teach or run a group in San Diego? Email hello@mahjongteachers.com to add, fix or remove a listing. It is free.